UK will seek continued research ties with EU post-Brexit
2 min read
Ministers will try to maintain extensive collaboration in areas of scientific research with the European Union after Brexit, according to a new government paper.
The Department for Exiting the EU said the industry was worth £11.8bn to the UK economy and employs at least 37,000 people around the country.
Ministers will argue a range of agreements between non-EU countries are already in place - specifically on the satellite navigation system ‘Galileo’ and the earth observation programme ‘Copernicus’ - and that the UK would seek similar agreements with Brussels.
Furthermore they will point to Britain’s individual role in the European Space Agency - specifically putting astronaut Tim Peake in orbit and contributing to the exploration of Mars.
The paper will lay out proposals to maintain involvement in the main European research programme, Horizon 2020, which enables UK researchers and businesses to develop joint projects with leading European labs and partners.
Britain will also seek possible collaboration with the European Medicines Agency and EU framework programmes.
Brexit Secretary David Davis said the UK wanted to remain “one of the best places in the world for science and innovation”.
“This paper sends a clear message to the research and innovation community that we value their work and we feel it is crucial that we maintain collaboration with our European partners after we exit,” he said.
“We want to attract the brightest minds to the UK to build on the already great work being done across the country to ensure that our future is bright and we grow this important sector.”
Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “From space exploration and developing better and safer medicines, to nuclear fusion research, the UK and Europe have a long history of close collaboration to meet the world’s great challenges.
“It’s in our mutual benefit to maintain this successful partnership, and this paper clearly outlines our desire to have a full and open discussion with the EU to shape our joint future."
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